Meal vouchers, also known as "tichete de masă" in Romanian, are a popular employee benefit in Romania. These vouchers provide employees with an additional source of income that can be used to purchase food and beverages.However, there are certain restrictions and rules governing the use of meal vouchers that employees should be aware of.
Eligibility and Distribution
Meal vouchers are not provided to all employees. Eligibility typically depends on the employer's policies and may vary based on factors such as employment type, salary level, and union membership. Meal vouchers are typically distributed electronically via a prepaid card loaded with the monthly allowance.
Electronic Usage and Transaction Limits
Meal vouchers can be used for contactless payments similar to a debit card. However, there is a daily limit of five contactless transactions. Exceeding this limit requires entering a PIN for subsequent transactions.ç
Approved Purchases
Meal vouchers can only be used to purchase food and beverages. They cannot be used for non-food items, such as alcohol, tobacco, or household goods. Additionally, meal vouchers can only be used within Romania.
Taxation and Social Contributions
Meal vouchers are considered an additional salary benefit and are subject to income tax. However, they are exempt from social contributions.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers are responsible for ensuring that meal vouchers are used in accordance with the applicable regulations. They should provide clear guidelines to employees regarding the eligible purchases and usage restrictions.
Employee Responsibilities
Employees should familiarize themselves with the rules and restrictions governing the use of meal vouchers. They should only use meal vouchers for approved purchases and within the specified timeframe.
Adherence to Guidelines
Following the guidelines for meal voucher usage is crucial to avoid potential issues. Employers should implement proper controls and monitoring mechanisms, while employees should exercise responsible usage practices.
Additional Considerations
Employers may have specific policies regarding the validity period of meal vouchers.
Employees should retain receipts for meal voucher purchases for record-keeping purposes.
In case of any discrepancies or concerns, employees should contact their employer or the relevant authorities.
By understanding the rules and restrictions surrounding meal vouchers, both employers and employees can ensure proper and compliant usage of this valuable benefit.
Source: Info Financiar
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